The changing face of Arcadia, Monrovia and Duarte due to Gold Line construction is dramatic in area cities. Perhaps none moreso than in Arcadia. First with the completion of the basket bridge over the 210 last year, now the rail crossing over Santa Anita which heralds the fast pace at which Metro is working to get the light rail through the San Gabriel Valley cities. The next phase in Gold Line construction in Monrovia begins this weekend with a full closure of Myrtle at Railroad next week.Crews will be constructing grade crossing improvements on Myrtle Ave at the railroad crossing (just north of Duarte Rd) in the City of Monrovia, as part of the 11.5-mile Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension light rail project. This grade crossing work requires a full closure of Myrtle Ave at the railroad crossing for four months.To prepare the street for the long-term closure, the intersection of Myrtle Ave and Duarte Rd will be closed nightly on Saturday, January 18 and Sunday, January 19, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. On Monday morning, Duarte Rd will re-open to thru-traffic; while Myrtle Ave will remain closed for four months at the railroad crossing (just north of Duarte Rd).Saturday, January 18, 2014 to Sunday, January 19, 2014, nightly from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.: Intersection of Myrtle Ave and Duarte Rd will be closed to thru-traffic.Monday, January 20, 2014 through May 2014: Duarte Rd will re-open to thru-traffic; while Myrtle Ave will remain closed to thru-traffic at the railroading crossing (just north of Duarte Rd).Standard construction work hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Occasional longer hours, work on Sundays and/or night work may also be performed.– During the closure of the street, detour routes will be in place and signage will be posted to direct motorists and truck drivers.– Pedestrian access through the closure will be provided on one side of the street. Detour signs will be posted to direct pedestrians and bicyclists during the closure, and a crossing guard will be available for assistance during school hours.– Motorists are advised to expect delays and use alternate routes when possible.– Bus stops in this vicinity may be temporarily relocated. For information about: – MTA bus stops, call (323) GO-METRO (323-466-3876) or go to www.metro.net– Foothill Transit bus stops, call (800) RIDE-INFO, (800-743-3463) or go to www.foothilltransit.org– All businesses in the area will remain open and accessible during the closure. For more information on the construction please visit www.foothillextension.org.Story and photo by Terry Miller